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Protecting animals and working with our community to prevent cruelty is what our dedicated field services team does day in and day out, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We believe that every animal matters—regardless of breed, size, age, or any other factor. Recently, one case surrounding one small reptile proved just that.

In December, our Animal Care & Control Officers were assisting Metropolitan Police Department Officers with a search warrant at the home of Darnell Jones, 34, in Washington, DC, when they came across a snake. The snake was extremely underweight and appeared to be having difficulty shedding her skin which is indicative of significant husbandry and care issues. The subsequent investigation by Humane Law Enforcement Officer Michael Triebwasser revealed that the snake had been underweight for seven months and had never at any point during that time been taken to a veterinarian for proper care.

Jones was consequently arrested and charged with one misdemeanor count of Cruelty to Animals for failing to provide vet care for his underweight blood python. He was found guilty by a DC Superior Court judge on May 25, and was sentenced to 30 days suspended jail sentence, six months probation, and 24 hours of community service.

Fortunately, today the snake is doing well. She was transferred to a reptile care facility in Maryland where she has since recovered from her condition. While she may be “just a reptile” to some, to the Washington Humane Society, she is a living, breathing being who deserves the same care and quality of life as all animals. We are extremely grateful to our officers who dedicate their careers to fully investigating and pursuing every possible case of animal cruelty and neglect that they come across, to give a voice to all animals and bring perpetrators of cruelty to justice.

If you love animals as much as we do, consider joining our team for an exciting career in animal welfare. There are many ways to protect and serve animals—on the streets of DC, at our adoption centers, in the classrooms of our community, and even in our administrative offices. We are now hiring for a variety of positions, from Humane Law Enforcement Officer to Animal Caregiver to Development Specialist. Check out a complete list and learn how to apply on our website.